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Match Report - Elgin City
East Fife 2-0 Elgin City, Saturday 3rd May 2025, William Hill League 2, MGM Timber Bayview Stadium
East Fife closed out their league season comfortably with a 2-0 victory over Elgin City at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium. The victory means that the semi-final of the League One play-offs will be a two-legged tie with Edinburgh City.
Both the Fifers and Elgin made several changes to their full-strength line-ups, and it was the visitors who started the quickest forcing Liam McFarlane into two early saves.
After overcoming the early nerves, East Fife got the ball on the ground and started to play some very slick football. Rob Jones grabbed the opener through lovely build up by Adam Laaref and Nathan Austin. The cross flew into Jones from Austin, and he drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
East Fife were in total control following that moment, with Laaref the star of the show. He created many a chance and dictated the tempo of the game with his direct attacking play. East Fife had the lion’s share of chances in the opener but couldn’t double their lead.
Notable performances came from Rob Jones, Adam Laaref and Mamadou Bah, who was making his first appearance in a number of weeks for the Fifers. He came close to opening his East Fife account on the stroke of half time, with a 35-yard strike. It looked as if it would dip underneath the bar, but it didn’t drop quickly enough, and it was just one goal to separate the sides at the interval.
The second half continued how the first half started, with the Fifers firmly in control. Ten minutes into the second half, East Fife looked to double their lead, when Nathan Austin came close. Laaref whipped a fantastic ball into Fash, and even though his looping header beat Thomas McHale, it flopped off the wrong side of the post.
East Fife eventually got their second goal through Gregor Nicol, who’s finish capped off an excellent attacking phase. McManus, Trouten and Shepherd all chipped in, before Nicol’s tapped in the square ball, capping off the strong showing.
Tuesday night will bring the first leg of the play-off semi-final, as the Fifers visit Meadowbank to play Michael McIndoe’s Edinburgh City side. They are coming off the back of a disappointing derby day, where they were defeated 3-1 by local rivals The Spartans.
East Fife – McFarlane, Millar, Peggie, Munro. Bah, McManus, Norey (Nicol 87’), Laaref (Healy 66’), Higginbotham, Austin (Trouten 66’), Jones (Shepherd 64’). Subs not used: Fleming, Murdoch, Easton, Slattery, McKenna.
Elgin City – McHale, Cooper (Dolzanski 60’), Cameron, Cairns, Girvan, MacEwan (Murray 76’), Fleming, Hyde (Sargent 32’ (Hester 76’)), McDonald, MacDonald, Gavin. Subs not used: Glavin, Dingwall, Golding, MacIver.
Referee – George Calder
Attendance - 776
Ticket Info v Edinburgh City (A)
Tickets for our William Hill League 1 play-off semi-final 1st leg match against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium on Tuesday 6th May are now on sale and can be purchased here. Kick off for the match is 7:45pm.
Admission Prices
Adults - £15
Concessions* - £10
Under 12s* - £5 (must be accompanied by a paying adult)
*Proof of age may be requested
Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can watch the match live via East Fife TV with a monthly or annual subscription.
Match Preview - Elgin City
Oli Anderson previews today’s match against Elgin City
Today we must dust ourselves down and move forward, as we prepare for the first leg of the play-offs on Tuesday following last week’s heartbreaking defeat at Peterhead, which brought our title challenge to a close. However, today’s clash with Elgin City bares some importance, as it will dictate our play-off opponents next week. Edinburgh City are currently in the driving seat, though if results go their way, Elgin City can nick a third place finish this afternoon.
Presentation
As a thanks for their long-standing service to the club, there will be a presentation to Chairman Jim Stevenson, and Vice-Chairman John Donaldson, which will start at 2:45pm.
William Hill League 2 Table
| Team | Pld | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peterhead | 35 | 17 | 66 |
| 2 | East Fife | 35 | 26 | 62 |
| 3 | Edinburgh City | 35 | 9 | 56 |
| 4 | Elgin City | 35 | 9 | 55 |
| 5 | The Spartans | 35 | -1 | 49 |
| 6 | Stirling Albion | 35 | -7 | 47 |
| 7 | Stranraer | 35 | -7 | 40 |
| 8 | Clyde | 35 | -10 | 40 |
| 9 | Forfar Athletic | 35 | -13 | 35 |
| 10 | Bonnyrigg Rose | 35 | -23 | 33 |
*Bonnyrigg Rose faced a 6-point deduction earlier in the season.
Last Week’s League Results
Bonnyrigg Rose 2-1 The Spartans
Edinburgh City 0-0 Forfar Athletic
Elgin City 3-0 Stranraer
Peterhead 1-0 East Fife
Stirling Albion 1-4 Clyde
This Weekend’s Fixtures
Clyde vs Peterhead
East Fife vs Elgin City
Forfar Athletic vs Stirling Albion
Stranraer vs Bonnyrigg Rose
The Spartans vs Edinburgh City
The Form
The Fifers
East Fife have secured three wins in the last six games. Two have come on the road, while one has been in Methil. Away wins at Clyde (2-1) and Bonnyrigg Rose (2-0) paired with a comeback victory against the Spartans (4-2) in Fife wraps up East Fife’s victories.
Our losses have come primarily away from home too, with defeats in Peterhead (1-0) and at Meadowbank (5-2) being our losses on the road. A shock thumping at the hands of Stranraer in Methil (3-0) is our other defeat in the last six.
Our Opposition
Elgin City have 4 wins in their last six, as they have gone on a run to ensure their play-off place. Defeats against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank, and Stirling Albion at Borough Briggs (both 2-0 losses), have been more than counteracted by four wins.
At home, Elgin have scored 7 in their last two, thumping Peterhead 4-0, and dismantling Stranraer last week in a 3-0 drubbing. On the road, they have defeated Bonnyrigg Rose (1-0) and the Spartans (2-1).
Previous Encounter
Elgin City 1-0 East Fife
Saturday 1st February, Borough Briggs.
An early header separated the two sides when they met in February, with Kyle Girvan proving the difference maker. East Fife huffed and puffed as the game proceeded, though Elgin ran out the winners on the day.
Squad News
We head into the game with the same squad as last week.
Match Tickets
Season Tickets are valid for our league campaign, with prices below:
Adults- £18
Concessions (Over 65s/Disabled)- £14
Under 16s- £5
Parent and 1 child- £21
Parent and 2 children- £24
Like last season, EFCFC players Under 16 years of age will be admitted for free!
There are no cash turnstiles at Bayview, so supporters are encouraged to buy their ticket online in advance where possible. However, ticket can also be purchased (cash and card) from the matchday reception for those unable to do so.
Please note, parent & child ticket must be purchased in person from the matchday reception.
Live Stream
Live streaming is available worldwide today for £15. Gold subscriptions remain valid for the game. Your commentator will be Daniel Hughes.
Club Colours
The Fifers will don the MPH Group sponsored home kit, wearing the black and gold striped top, with white shorts and socks. The East Fife goalkeeper will be wearing yellow for the match.
Elgin City will be in their away colours of black and red stripes, with white shorts and red socks. The City goalie will wear sky blue for the game.
Officials
The referee today will be George Calder with his assistants Steven Wilson and Calum Haswell running the lines.
Misc
The Bayview issue 23 will be available pre-kick off for £3, it can also be purchased in the club shop which will be open from 1.45pm. This week’s edition will include a final message from Jim Stevenson and John Donaldson.
Mon the Fife!
League 1 Play-Off Hospitality
East Fife FC invites you to enjoy our matchday hospitality for our William Hill League 1 Play-Off Semi-Final on Saturday 10th May 2025 at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the Black and Gold, this is the perfect way to take in one of the season’s biggest fixtures in style.
Hospitality Package – Just £50 per person (inc. VAT)
Your hospitality experience includes:
- 🎟 Match Ticket with Reserved Seating – enjoy all the action from your reserved seating near the half-way line.
- 🍽 Delicious Two-Course Meal – freshly-prepared starter and main from our catering partners RL Catering.
- 🗣 Pre- and Post-Match Chat with Management Team – hear insights from the management team before and after the game.
- 🥧 Half-Time Pie & Hot Drink – a traditional Scottish matchday treat!
- 📘 Complimentary Programme & Official Team Sheet – perfect for collectors and fans alike.
- 🍺 Pay Bar Available – enjoy a selection of drinks from our fully licensed bar.
Spaces are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment!
📞 To reserve your place, contact the club office on 01333 426323 or email office@eastfifefc.info.
Let’s make it a day to remember as we push for promotion – come and be part of the East Fife journey!